A bid for style

Sara Johnson | Photo: Courtesy of Sotheby's | December 1, 2011

The late John Traina was often in the spotlight because of his marriages—to Danielle Steel and Dede Wilsey—but he caught people’s eye in his own right, too, for his devotion to great style. His look was impeccable, and pure dandy: beautifully tailored suits and tuxes with a dash of whimsy added by collection-worthy Fabergé cigarette cases and dress sets (cufflinks, studs, and buttons) from the likes of Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Jean Schlumberger, David Webb, Bulgari, Verdura, Taffin. This month, Sotheby’s New York is auctioning off some of his finest baubles at “Elegant John Traina: A Portrait in Style,” held at its Manhattan gallery (equipped with phone banks and online bidding). Highlights include an 18-karat gold cigarette case by Van Cleef & Arpels and a Verdura diamond and enamel dress set (both pictured). “I would have to live to 150 to wear everything,” sys Traina’s son, Trevor. And he means just the part of the collection that isn’t for sale.